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Boro Workshop – Create a Boro-Inspired Purse
Sashiko designer and educator Sue Howie is hosting an in-person boro workshop at the Sashiko Australia Studio in Brisbane, July 19th.
Develop your understanding of boro textiles and create your own boro-inspired purse in a group setting.
Under Sue’s instruction, this hands-on boro workshop will teach you the basics of upcycling your fabric scraps into charming textile items that you will cherish.
The class is intended for beginners as well as experienced stitchers who wish to deepen their understanding of boro textiles. Sue will guide you through the fundamentals of boro, from its rich history to its practical applications, how to plan and design your boro-inspired work, make aesthetic choices when selecting fabrics to upcycle, master stitching techniques, and offer creative ideas for completing your boro workshop project.
Boro Workshop Cost Inclusions
- Tutoring for one whole day on the technique of boro-inspired mending and upcycling, in a light and spacious Brisbane studio setting
- Boro Workshop project kit
- Morning tea – coffee and tea available all day.
Workshop Project Kit Inclusions
- A section of stunning fabric pieces for boro
- Pre-cut felt purse kit, with findings and instructions (zipper is pre-inserted)
- Pins and needles
- One skein of sashiko cotton thread
- Boro instructions.
The completed purse project will be perfect to pop in your hand bag with some essentials, or use on its own to carry your mobile phone and cards when out.
Finished purse size measures 18.5cm x 13.5cm.
What you will need to bring to the workshop
- Cutting mat
- Rotary cutter
- Sashiko needle/s, (recommend Olympus, Clover, or Tulip)
- Large scissors
- Scissor snips
- Standard sewing cotton and needle
- Glue pen, (recommend Sewline or Bohin—there will be a glue pen available if you are unable to source one)
- Straight pins
- If you have some special fabrics you would like to use, please bring them along to personalise your project.
A brief note about boro
‘Boro’ is the cultural and historical practice of mending and reinforcing textiles, dating back to the Edo Period in Japan. During this time, Japanese women from the agricultural classes used a patching method called ‘boro’ to extend the life of worn-out garments, bed linens, and other textiles. They would attach fabric pieces to these items using a decorative stitching technique known as ‘sashiko,’ which translates to “piercing with little stabs.”
Read about Sue’s previous boro workshop on her blog.
Boro Workshop Venue & Details
- Sashiko Australia Studio Brisbane (fully air conditioned)
- Lvl 1/39 Kerry Rd, Archerfield QLD 4108
- 19th July, 2025, 9.30 A.M. – 4.00 P.M.
- Plenty of on site parking, with easy access to public transport
- Inclusive cost for kit and tutoring: $110.00
